Volunteer Stories
We want to celebrate the heartwarming and inspiring stories of our incredible volunteers; the people who generously donate their time, energy, and compassion to support local people affected by cancer. Some of our volunteers have shared their motivation for volunteering, their experiences, and the impacts that volunteering at our centre has had on their lives. They represent the spirit of community and care that defines our centre.
Our very grateful thanks go to each and every one of our volunteers, not just those whose stories are featured here. We truly couldn’t do it without you.
If you would like to find out more information about volunteering with us, please get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Louise – Reception
“A friend of mine suggested I approach the centre after a diagnosis of cancer. I consequently found a haven of care, support and professionalism. This experience lead me to volunteering 1 day per week which I have undertaken for nearly a year now and look forward to every week.
My role is on reception to meet and greet people as they walk through the door. It can often be people’s first impression of the centre which is so important. A friendly and helpful face can ease what is often a difficult time for themselves and loved ones.
I also answer the telephone, take messages and inform people about the centre and guide new people to the cafe area to relax prior to their appointment.”
Vicki – Trustee
“I met Jackie a few years ago at a networking event, I was immediately drawn to her warm and caring nature and her passion for the charity.
Over a few years we worked together where I tried to help her spread the word about the best kept secret In Sutton Coldfield – then out of the blue my world changed and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately for me it was caught early so after surgery and radiotherapy I was physically fine! The important word there is physically, I was so strong throughout the medical treatment and once this was over I fell apart and this is when I reached out to Jackie.
I went over the centre and Jackie sat with me for more than 2 hours and just talked at her 😊 she spent time to reassure me that everything I was feeling was normal. I’m not sure if Jackie realised the impact she had that day but I left the centre feeling lighter and brighter than I had since my diagnosis.
A year or so later Jackie mentioned they were looking for trustees, it was my turn to give back and make sure this amazing charity is able to offer the support I had received to others in my position – so after several interviews I passed the test and became a trustee!”
Rose – Events
“I wanted to volunteer for a meaningful cause. I’ve helped with events, and it’s fun meeting new people who are also dedicated to this charity. Money raised goes towards paying for therapies for people who have had cancer, are being treated at present, or who have recovered and still need moral support, which they will find at the Centre. Carers and supporters can also take advantage of what the Centre has to offer. The staff work so hard to make the Centre welcoming and a place of sanctuary for those going through the fight of their lives.”
John – Walking Group Leader
“I retired from work in March 2019 and even though I enjoyed my job I was ready to retire.
I’ve always enjoyed walking so when I heard that the Centre were wanting to restart their walking group but were short of leaders, this was an ideal opportunity for me to combine my enjoyment of walking and helping the group.
I attended an initial meeting in the centre and signed up to be a volunteer and to help form the walking group with another leader, Vicky.
Initially the walking group was mainly just that, walking. However, over the 2 years since we have been going the friendships that have formed within the group have been a revelation.
On a personal note, I am really enjoying my time with the group, and I have found great satisfaction in being able to both walk and listen to others, particularly listening. I have been surprised at my ability to listen to others, a skill that I didn’t even realise I had, but I’m so pleased to have discovered it.
I have found that I have benefitted greatly from being a group leader/member and look forward to continuing for some time to come.”
Mary – eBay
“After receiving much needed help and support following my second cancer diagnosis, I really wanted to get involved with fundraising. I was so very impressed with the care and activities on offer. I needed to do something that would fit around family and work commitments and eBay selling is ideal for that. Taking photos at 7 am works for me! Dropping parcels at the post office on the way to work – no problem – and I have the satisfaction of knowing that the money raised is helping to keep such a vital facility within our community.”
Julie – Reception
Being a volunteer at the Cancer Support Centre has given me the opportunity to give comfort and love to people who find themselves in a place that they could not have imagined having just been diagnosed with cancer. The very word “cancer” conjures up all sorts of thoughts and concerns that can be both worrying and frightening.
I love my role as a volunteer. Just seeing people’s smiles and them knowing they are not alone, makes my day a much happier one.
Joanne – Trustee
I have always had a strong sense of giving back and supporting communities and am always looking for opportunity to be able to use the skills I have in a volunteering/trustee position.
Having lost 3 very close family members to cancer in 2023, when the opportunity to support the Cancer Support Centre as a volunteer came up, I didn’t hesitate to put my name forward. I will be providing HR guidance to anyone who is currently going through the journey with cancer, but doesn’t understand what support they should be getting from their Employer.
Andy – Ambassador
Very proud to have been asked and invited to become an ambassador for such a wonderful and supportive charity, the Cancer support Centre, based in Sutton Coldfield. They offer so much support to many, many individuals who need such services
Simon – Trustee
It was a “spur of the moment” decision for me to volunteer with the Cancer Support Centre. Once I’d found out about the Centre I drove there straight away and walked into reception to sign up as a volunteer – thankfully I didn’t even give myself time to think about the many reasons NOT to be a volunteer! I’d recently retired and, having been though my own cancer journey, I wanted to give my time and support to this charity rather than any other. I’m so glad I made that impulsive decision – and I’m not really an impulsive person!
Lesley – Reception
I wanted to make a small contribution to a cause that has affected my family and friends. To make use of some spare time and meet new people. I have met some wonderful, interesting people who either volunteer, work or visit the centre and through volunteering I have made new friends.
We have so many different roles for volunteers that we can find a suitable fit for anyone who would like to give us some of their time – please get in touch!